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AceLegacy
Inspiring
December 4, 2019
Answered

Why does my mask path change position when pasting it on a position parameter?

  • December 4, 2019
  • 1 reply
  • 7635 views

https://community.adobe.com/t5/after-effects/why-does-my-mask-path-change-position-when-pasting-it-on-a-position-parameter/td-p/10756887

I'm sorry but I'm about to lose my mind over this. I still haven't found a solution to this problem that works with me (yes, I marked the original post as solved, however, looking back at it now, I can't solve this again).

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Rick Gerard

The technique in the link you posted is an inefficient workaround presented by someone that does not fully understand the reason that a motion path does not precisely follow a vector (mask or shape) path. Let me explain the problem and give you the solution.

 

Mask paths are always created in layer space before any layer transformations. If you want a motion path to follow a mask path precisely then the layer with the mask or the shape layer with the path cannot have any changes to the Layer>Transform>Position, Scale, or Rotation properties*. It's as simple as that. Reset all of the Layer>Transform properties, draw a path on the layer (or shape layer) then copy and paste and the motion path will always line up on top of the vector path.

 

*If the layer is 3D you can rotate it in X or Y but never in Z.

 

The solution is to use a solid or a new shape layer, draw your path on the layer before you move or scale it, then copy the path and paste it to any parameter that has a position value.  The motion path will always be in the XY plane even if the layer is 3D. There is a workaround if you need the motion path to be on a different plane. All you have to do is paste the motion path to a 3D layer's position property, add a 3D null, parent the moving 3D layer to the null, then rotate the null. 

 

Some folks think this is an extra step but when I am going to copy a path and paste it to a motion path I always set a path keyframe, cut the keyframe (Ctrl/Cmnd + x) then select the layer I want to move and press Alt/Option + p to set a position keyframe and immediately paste Ctrl/Cmnd + v. Using this technique you will never have a problem turning the vector path into a motion path.

 

Here's a quick tutorial I did a long time ago that shows how to draw a vector path on a 3D layer and then turn that into a motion path for a camera. Notice that the reference layer that I rotated in X was not scaled or rotated in Z. That's why the technique works.

 

https://youtu.be/YyPMYK7ROYU

1 reply

R
Community Expert
Rick GerardCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
December 4, 2019

The technique in the link you posted is an inefficient workaround presented by someone that does not fully understand the reason that a motion path does not precisely follow a vector (mask or shape) path. Let me explain the problem and give you the solution.

 

Mask paths are always created in layer space before any layer transformations. If you want a motion path to follow a mask path precisely then the layer with the mask or the shape layer with the path cannot have any changes to the Layer>Transform>Position, Scale, or Rotation properties*. It's as simple as that. Reset all of the Layer>Transform properties, draw a path on the layer (or shape layer) then copy and paste and the motion path will always line up on top of the vector path.

 

*If the layer is 3D you can rotate it in X or Y but never in Z.

 

The solution is to use a solid or a new shape layer, draw your path on the layer before you move or scale it, then copy the path and paste it to any parameter that has a position value.  The motion path will always be in the XY plane even if the layer is 3D. There is a workaround if you need the motion path to be on a different plane. All you have to do is paste the motion path to a 3D layer's position property, add a 3D null, parent the moving 3D layer to the null, then rotate the null. 

 

Some folks think this is an extra step but when I am going to copy a path and paste it to a motion path I always set a path keyframe, cut the keyframe (Ctrl/Cmnd + x) then select the layer I want to move and press Alt/Option + p to set a position keyframe and immediately paste Ctrl/Cmnd + v. Using this technique you will never have a problem turning the vector path into a motion path.

 

Here's a quick tutorial I did a long time ago that shows how to draw a vector path on a 3D layer and then turn that into a motion path for a camera. Notice that the reference layer that I rotated in X was not scaled or rotated in Z. That's why the technique works.

 

https://youtu.be/YyPMYK7ROYU

    A
    AceLegacyAuthor
    Inspiring
    December 4, 2019

    Sorry, I still have a doubt. Now that I reset the transform properties, what should I do? The star is too big on the main composition. Would I need to create a null, solid or shape and draw a path and then scale it down? Just to make things clear. Thanks

    D
    defaulttpks2s2fjmdr
    Participating Frequently
    November 7, 2021

    Hi, I came here looking for the same solution - Rick's answer works a treat.

     

    I made a new solid layer named motion paths (which is automatically reset parameters, so I didn't need to change anything about the layer I was moving, which I think is where you're having an issue?) I drew a pen mask path, then copied than mask path and pasted it into the position of my layer that I wanted to move.  I've kept the solid in the project as as a guide layer where I can keep drawing mask paths and cutting them out.

     

    Actually specifically for me, I was animating a mask, so there were a couple more steps (I don't know if this is 'correct' but it worked) I made my mask shape on a solid layer. then centred my anchor point in masked content and moved the shape to where I wanted it to start. This was an important step for getting everything to be where it should! Then I copied the mask path from the other layer into the position of the layer. I like using masks instead of shapes for their feather/expand options.

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